#VisualAbstract: Effect of a Behavioral Intervention Strategy on Sustained Change in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

1. In this randomized controlled trial, a behavioral intervention increased physical activity and reduced sedentary activity in type 2 diabetes patients.

2. The effects of behavioral intervention were sustained over 3 years.

Evidence Rating Level: 1 (Excellent)      

Study Rundown: Regular physical activity is recommended for patients with type 2 diabetes (DM2), though adherence to guideline recommendations is often difficult. Behavioral interventions have been proposed as a way to increase activity in this patient population. In this randomized clinical trial, patients with DM2 who underwent a behavioral intervention had significantly increased physical activity volume, moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, light-intensity physical activity, and reduced sedentary time compared to patients receiving care as usual. Most effects between the groups were sustained over 3 years, though differences were less prominent between the groups for moderate- to vigorous-physical intensity at 3 years.

Overall, this study suggests that behavioral interventions may lead to sustained increases in physical activity and reduction in sedentary time. Though well-designed, it is unclear if the results will generalize to other populations outside of an urban, European city. In addition, each health care system would need to evaluate this behavioral intervention independently to determine if it is effective from a cost-benefit perspective.

Click to read the study in JAMA

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